Vent Cover Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a vent cover device that prevents animals from entering a rooftop vent. The device is comprised of a body, at least one cage, and at least one lid. The cage and lid may be comprised of one opening to allow proper ventilation without obstruction and while simultaneously preventing animals from entering the rooftop vent. The device is also comprised of a locking mechanism to ensure that the lid cannot be opened by animals. In this manner, the device can be applied to any vent such that animals cannot enter the vent, and wherein the device does not inhibit the function of the vent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/351,958, which was filed on Jun. 14, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of vent covers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vent cover device that is comprised of a body, a cage, and a lid. In the preferred embodiment, the device may be universally attached to a plurality of different vent openings such as, but not limited to, a rooftop vent. The device is also comprised of at least one cage and at least one lid which allow proper ventilation without obstruction and also to prevent animals from entering the vent opening after the device has been secured over a vent. In this manner, the device can be applied to any vent such that animals will not be able to enter the vent and cause infestation. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Many homes and commercial buildings have rooftop vents that allow plumbing gases to safely exit the home or building. However, rats, mice, snakes, and other small animals can find their way into a building through the openings in a rooftop vent or other similar vent of the like. As a result, rooftop vents are an unsecured point of entry that can lead to animal infestations within a home or building.

Having an animal infestation in a home or workplace not only can be disruptive to an individual's peace of mind, but it can also be costly. Paying an exterminator to remove animals from a home can be frustrating and very expensive. Further, animals may carry many diseases that can be spread to individuals inside the home.

In addition, putting any cover over a vent might restrict the flow of waste water not draining properly and not allow ventilation to drain lines and sewer gases to vent properly where applicable.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved vent cover device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent cover device that can keep animals, such as rodents or snakes, from entering the vent and causing an infestation in a home or workplace. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent cover device that will keep animals out of a rooftop vent while still allowing exhaust gases to exit the vent properly without obstruction.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a vent cover device. The device is primarily comprised of a body, at least one cage, and at least one lid. In the preferred embodiment, the device may be universally attached to a plurality of different vent openings of rooftop vents or other similar vents of the like. The device may also be comprised of a cage and a lid which are positioned on the top surface of the body to prevent animals from entering the vent opening while allowing proper ventilation. In this manner, the device can be applied to any vent such that animals will not be able to enter the vent and cause infestation and the vent will still be able to perform its functions as necessary.

In this manner, the vent cover device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides an improved means to cover a vent. Further, the vent cover device has a lid that can be shut to prevent animals from entering the vent. In addition, the vent cover device can keep out animals while avoiding obstruction and still allowing for proper ventilation.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a vent cover device that prevents animals from entering a vent opening while still allowing the vent to exhaust without obstruction. The device is primarily comprised of a body, at least one cage fixed to the body, and at least one lid attached to the cage. In the preferred embodiment, the body is comprised of at least one connector and at least one fastener. The fastener may be any fastener known in the art that allows the body to be secured over a rooftop vent via the opening of the device when the device is in use. In this manner, the device cannot be dislodged from the vent via weather, animals, or other factors.

The connector secures the cage base to the body. In the preferred embodiment, the connector may be an adhesive tape that is preferably waterproof to protect against weather. However, in one embodiment the cage base may be fixedly attached to the body.

The cage attaches to the cage body and has at least one lid. The cage is comprised of at least one opening that allows exhaust gas to vent from the device but prevents animals from entering the device due to the size of the opening. In the preferred embodiment, the cage is made from a plurality of layers of wire that form a plurality of overlapping openings. As a result, the openings allow exhaust gas to vent from the device but are not big enough to allow an animal to enter the device through the cage.

In a further embodiment, the lid may also be comprised of at least one opening that allows exhaust gas to vent from the device but prevents animals from entering the device due to the size of the opening. The lid may be comprised of at least one hinge which fixes the lid to the top surface of the cage and allows for the opening and closing of the lid.

The lid may be comprised of any number of the indicia that resemble the appearance of the material of the roof, such as, but not limited to, shingles, to allow the device to blend into the roof. The lid may be comprised of at least one locking mechanism that allows the lid to lock to the cage. In this manner, the lid cannot be dislodged by an animal or weather.

Accordingly, the vent cover device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows the user to cover a vent to prevent animal infestation while still allowing the vent to function properly without obstruction. In this manner, the vent cover device overcomes the limitations of existing vent cover devices known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vent cover device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vent cover device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved vent cover device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent cover device that can keep animals, such as rodents or snakes, from entering the vent and causing an infestation in a home or workplace. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent cover device that will keep animals out while still allowing for exhaust gas to exit the vent properly without obstruction.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a vent cover device. The device is primarily comprised of a body, at least one cage fixed to the body, and at least one lid attached to the cage. In the preferred embodiment, the body is comprised of at least one connector and at least one fastener. The fastener may be any fastener known in the art that allows the body to be secured over an existing rooftop vent via the opening of the device when the device is in use. In this manner, the device cannot be dislodged from the vent via weather, animals, or other factors.

The connector secures the cage base to the body. The connector may be an adhesive tape that is preferably waterproof to protect against weather or any other connector of the like. The cage attaches to the cage body and has at least one lid. The cage is comprised of at least one opening that allows air to enter the vent from the device but prevents animals from entering the device due to the size of the opening. In the preferred embodiment, the cage is made from a plurality of layers of wire that form a plurality of overlapping openings. Therefore, the openings allow air to enter the device but are not big enough to allow an animal to enter the device through the cage.

In a further embodiment, the lid may also be comprised of at least one opening. The opening allows air to enter the device the device but prevents animals from entering the device due to the size of the opening. The lid may be comprised of at least one hinge which fixes the lid to the top surface of the cage and allows for the opening and closing of the lid.

The lid may be comprised of any number of the indicia that resemble the appearance of the material of the roof, such as, but not limited to, shingles, to allow the device to blend into the roof. The lid may be comprised of at least one locking mechanism that allows the lid to lock to the cage. In this manner, the lid cannot be dislodged by an animal or weather.

Accordingly, the vent cover device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows the user to cover a vent to prevent animal infestation while still allowing the vent to function properly without obstruction. In this manner, the vent cover device overcomes the limitations of existing vent cover devices known in the art.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vent cover device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a body 120, at least one cage 144 fixed to the body 120, and at least one lid 140 attached to the cage 144. In differing embodiments, the body 120 may be manufactured in a plurality of shapes such as, but not limited to, square, rectangle, triangle, circle, oval, pentagon, octagon, etc., or any shape that allows the device 100 to fit partially or completely over an existing rooftop vent or another vent of the like.

In the preferred embodiment, the body 120 may be manufactured from a metal material such as, but not limited to, sheet metal, stainless steel, galvanized steel, black steel, black iron, brass, nickel alloys, carbon steel, duplex steel, copper nickel, titanium, cast iron, aluminum, etc. In a differing embodiment, the body 120 may be manufactured from any heat-resistant, rigid plastic known in the art such as, but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, etc.

In the preferred embodiment, the body 120 is comprised of at least one connector 122 and at least one fastener 126. The fastener 126 may be any fastener known in the art such as, but not limited to, a threaded fastener, a snap-cap fastener, a magnetic fastener, an adhesive fastener, a ring clamp fastener, or combinations therein. The fastener 126 allows the body 120 to be secured over a rooftop vent via the opening 121 when the device 100 is in use. In this manner, the device 100 cannot be dislodged from the vent via weather, animals, or other factors. In differing embodiments, the opening 121 may be of any diameter to allow the opening 121 to fit over a rooftop vent (or another vent) of any size.

The connector 122 secures the cage base 124 to the body 120. In the preferred embodiment, the connector 122 may be an adhesive tape that is preferably waterproof to protect against weather. In differing embodiments, the connector 122 may be any connection member known in the art such as, but not limited to, an adhesive, a weld, etc. In one embodiment, the cage base 124 is fixedly secured to the body 120 during the manufacturing process.

The cage 144 is fixedly attached to the cage base 124 and may be manufactured from a metal material such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, tool steel, alloy steel, carbon steel, galvanized steel wire, etc. The cage 144 is comprised of a cage base 124 and at least one lid 140. The cage 144 is comprised of at least one opening 147 that allows exhaust gas to vent from the device 100 (and also allows air to enter the vent for plumbing function purposes) but prevents animals from entering the device 100 due to the size of the opening 147.

In another embodiment, the lid 140 may also be comprised of at least one opening 141 that that allows exhaust gas to vent from the device 100 (and also allows air to enter the vent for plumbing function purposes) but prevents animals from entering the device 100 due to the size of the opening 141. In the preferred embodiment, the cage 124 is made from a plurality of layers of wire that form a plurality of overlapping openings 147. In this manner, the openings 147 allow exhaust gas to vent from the device 100 (and also allows air to enter the vent for plumbing function purposes) but are not big enough to allow an animal to enter the device 100 through the cage 144. The wire metal may be of any spacing known in the art.

The lid 140 may be comprised of at least one hinge 142 which attaches the lid 140 to the top surface 130 of the cage 144 and allows for the opening and closing of the lid 140. There is a plurality of hinges that may be used such as, but not limited to, an offset blind hinge, a knuckle hinge, a butt hinge, a rising butt hinge, a gravity pivot hinge, a ball bearing hinge, a barrel hinge, a concealed hinge, a knife hinge, a piano hinge, a strap hinge, a pivot hinge, a gas-piston hinge, an injection molded hinge, a locking hinge, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vent cover device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The lid 140 may be manufactured from a heat-resistant, rigid plastic. The lid 140 may also be made from a metal such as, but not limited to, sheet metal, stainless steel, galvanized steel, black steel, black iron, brass, nickel alloys, carbon steel, duplex steel, copper nickel, titanium, cast iron, aluminum, etc.

The lid 140 (or any other portion of the device 100) may be comprised of any number of indicia 150 in the form of patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. In the preferred embodiment, the indicia 150 resembles the appearance of the material of the roof, such as, but not limited to, shingles, to allow the device 100 to blend into the roof.

The device 100 is also comprised of at least one locking mechanism 145. In the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism 145 is comprised of at least one clasp 148. However, instead of the clasp 148, the locking mechanism 145 may be comprised of any mechanism such as, but not limited to, a clamp, a keylock, a magnet, a combination lock, a padlock, etc. The locking mechanism 145 secures the lid 140 to the cage 144 such that the lid 140 cannot be opened by an animal, a gust of wind, etc.

In one embodiment, the device 100 is covered in at least one coating 160. The coating 160 preferably has a coefficient of friction of less than 0.5. In this manner, the device 100 cannot be easily climbed by an animal. The coating 160 may be, but is not limited to, an oil, a gel, etc.

To further discourage animals from trying to enter the device 100, the device 100 may be comprised of at least one adhesive trap 170. The trap 170 can capture animals before the animal can attempt to enter the case 144. The trap 170 may be removable from the device 100 in order to be replaced. The trap 170 is preferably positioned on the body 120 to capture an animal before it can even reach the cage 144 or lid 140.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “vent cover device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the vent cover device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the vent cover device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the vent cover device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the vent cover device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the vent cover device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the vent cover device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vent cover device comprising: a body; a cage base; a cage attached to the cage base; and a lid.
 2. The vent cover device of claim 1, wherein the lid is comprised of a heat-resistant metal material.
 3. The vent cover device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a heat-resistant metal material.
 4. A vent cover device comprising: a body; a cage base attached to the body; a cage attached to the cage base; and a lid attached to the cage via a hinge.
 5. The vent cover device of claim 4, wherein the cage is comprised of a metal wire.
 6. The vent cover device of claim 4, wherein the lid is comprised of an opening.
 7. The vent cover device of claim 4 further comprising an adhesive trap.
 8. The vent cover device of claim 7, wherein the adhesive trap is positioned on the body.
 9. A vent cover device comprising: a body; a fastener; a connecter; a locking mechanism; a cage base attached to the body; a cage attached to the cage base; and a lid attached to the cage via a hinge.
 10. The vent cover device of claim 9, wherein the connector is comprised of an adhesive tape.
 11. The vent cover device of claim 10, wherein the adhesive tape is comprised of a waterproof material.
 12. The vent cover device of claim 9, wherein the fastener is comprised of a ring clamp fastener.
 13. The vent cover device of claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism secures the lid to the cage.
 14. The vent cover device of claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism is comprised of a clamp, a clasp, a magnet or a lock.
 15. The vent cover device of claim 9 further comprised of an indicia.
 16. The vent cover device of claim 15, wherein the indicia resembles the appearance of a roofing material.
 17. The vent cover device of claim 9 further comprised of a coating.
 18. The vent cover device of claim 17, wherein the coating has a coefficient of friction that is less than
 1. 19. The vent cover device of claim 9, wherein the cage is comprised of a first layer and a second layer of metal wire.
 20. The vent cover device of claim 19, wherein the first layer and the second layer overlap one another at least partially. 